In a shocking incident of police brutality, a head constable today hit a woman with a brick in posh Golf Link area of central Delhi after a minor altercation following which he was suspended and arrested.
The traffic policeman was arrested and a criminal case was filed against him after a video clip of the attack went viral.
The victim, who was riding a two-wheeler, alleged that the constable demanded a bribe accusing her of violating traffic rules and when she refused he first abused her before hitting with a brick. The woman was with her two minor children.
The video clip showed the woman picking up a brick and hurling it at the policeman's bike while the constable was seen hitting her back with another brick.
"On behalf of myself and Delhi Police, I want to express my regret. The Head Constable has already been suspended. Apart from that, I have ordered that a criminal case be registered. We will investigate the matter," Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said.
Another senior official said the policeman has been arrested.
The victim alleged that the policeman accused her of violating traffic norms and started abusing her after she refused to pay Rs 200 as bribe, insisting that a receipt of the fine he was demanding be issued.
"He refused to issue me a challan and abused me. When I protested he attacked me with a brick," said the woman.
Muktesh Chander, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said strict action would be taken against the head constable.
"We regret such a shameful act. We will take strictest possible action," said Chander. The woman also alleged that her two-wheeler was damaged in the incident.
The incident drew sharp reaction.
The Delhi government, which has been on the loggerheads with police, has strongly condemned the incident.
"The traffic cop involved in this shameful incident should be arrested immediately. The way he picked up a stone to hit the victim could have resulted in a major casualty," Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain said.
